Miss Caprice eBook

There is a rustling of paper, then the match is struck,
and Doctor Chicago is discovered bending low in order
to keep it from the wind. His cigar is speedily
lighted, and his eyes turned upon the paper which
Philander has given him—­Philander, who hovers
over him now in eager distress, anxious to hear John’s
opinion, and yet fearful lest the rash act may bring
danger upon them.

John’s lips part to utter an exclamation of
mingled amazement and delight, when from a point close
to their shoulders an outcry proceeds; the burning
match has betrayed them.

CHAPTER IX.

BRAVO, PHILANDER!

It is impossible for them to understand just at the
moment what has occurred.

They are in a part of the Maltese city that Europeans
might well hesitate to visit at the hour of midnight,
however much they would frequent it in daylight.

The natives of Valetta have not all become reconciled
to British rule, and although no open outbreak occurs,
more than once has it been placed in evidence that
there is a deep feeling of resentful distrust in certain
quarters, which only awaits an opportunity to show
its ugly teeth.

Knowing this fact, it is general principles more than
anything else that causes Philander to have concern.

When those loud cries break forth close at hand, he
knows his fears were not without foundation.

John Craig is also suddenly brought to a realization
of the fact that he has hardly been prudent in his
action.

He stows the paper away with a single movement of
his hand. It is precious to him, and must be
kept for future study.

Then he is ready to face those who, by their presence
and outcries, announce themselves as the foes of foreigners.

There are many secret societies on the famous island
besides the Knights of Malta, and it is not at all
improbable that an organization exists which has for
its main object the eventual uprising of the Maltese
and their freedom from the British yoke.

This would naturally be kept a secret, and not proclaimed
from the flat roofs of Valetta, or the platform of
St. Lazarus.

Philander has shown remarkable traits upon this night
of nights, traits which Doctor Chicago never suspected
he possessed. He now proves that, in addition
to these other commendable qualities, he has wonderful
presence of mind, and that no sudden emergency can
stupefy his senses.

Just as soon as the outcry is heard, he draws the
small, cimeter-shaped paper-knife, which he claimed
would make a serviceable weapon.

With which remark Philander starts his lower extremities
into action, turning his head to make sure that his
companion has not hesitated to follow.

If the professor is a small man, he has the faculty
for getting over ground at quite an astonishing rate
of speed. His short legs fairly twinkle as they
measure off the yards; and, given a fair show, he would
lead any ordinary runner a race.